Damn it, Kirsten Gillibrand isn’t running for President any more …

So last night, on my way home, I stopped at one of the Popeye’s restaurants in the hopes of getting this fried chicken sandwich that has become the Cabbage Patch Kid / Beanie Baby / Tickle Me Elmo of the fast food world … and while I waited in line to order something else (apparently this Popeye’s sold out of that chicken sandwich today), I checked my phone for messages.

And it’s then that I saw this message on my Twitter feed.

Today, I am ending my campaign for president.

I am so proud of this team and all we've accomplished. But I think it’s important to know how you can best serve.

To our supporters: Thank you, from the bottom of my heart. Now, let's go beat Donald Trump and win back the Senate. pic.twitter.com/xM5NGfgFGT

Yes, I knew that with two dozen Democrats running for the nomination for President, Kirsten Gillibrand was caught in a packed candidacy and it was hard for her to break free from the pack. She did well for herself in the two televised debates for which she qualified … but she didn’t reach the thresholds to make the newest debate.

And with that, she returns to the United States Senate and ends her Presidential campaign.

Let’s put it this way. I’m bummed. I really thought she would do a fantastic job in the Oval Office. And the fact that she stood up for her beliefs … that goes without saying.

But I understand why she withdrew. I don’t have to like it, but I understand it.

It’s about Al Franken.

For better or for worse, when credible examples of sexual impropriety and unwanted contact were lodged against the Minnesota senator, Gillibrand stood up and said that Franken needed to step away from the Senate. This was a bold and controversial statement, and the voting populace never forgave her for it. I think the words “kneecapped” and “blindsided” were used to describe Gillibrand’s actions against Franken.

Which is sad. Because when Gillibrand ended her campaign, those who felt that she did Franken dirty are having a field day online. Heck, I’m sure someone will comment on this blog about Franken and other slights that Gillibrand caused them. Tons of Internet memes of Al Franken sipping coffee, for instance.

And I said to someone, while I waited in line for my food at Popeye’s, “There’s going to be a response from the White House in three … two … one … ”

Well, it took him an hour to find his iPhone and tweet this …

A sad day for the Democrats, Kirsten Gillibrand has dropped out of the Presidential Primary. I’m glad they never found out that she was the one I was really afraid of!

The thing is, though, Kirsten Gillibrand tried. She ran for President, she gave it her best effort, then when she knew there was no chance to continue, she left. And maybe some day she might run again. We don’t know.

Of course, now I have to find some other Democratic candidate to back.

And this will be a tough choice.

And before anyone says, “Why don’t you get on the Trump Train, Chuck?”

I also thought she had problems having a more conservative stance as a Congresswoman then much more liberal as a statewide candidate. (See Charles Goodell, 1968-1971)
And I really think there was some rampant sexism. Blonde, with a voice not nearly low enough. I knew she wasn’t going to be the nominee because, despite her qualifications – and I voted for her thrice for Senate – she was perceived as insubstantial. https://weeklysift.com/2019/07/01/what-i-learned-from-the-debates/
“I hesitate to comment at all on Kirsten Gillibrand, because watching her evokes a sexist response that I can’t seem to turn off. She may be saying something perfectly presidential, but she always looks and sounds like a lightweight to me. I don’t know if it’s the dumb-blond stereotype or what, but I have to keep reminding myself to listen to her and judge her fairly. (None of the other female candidates strike me this way, and I have no idea whether other men share this reaction to Gillibrand.)”

I won’t ask you to get on the Trump Train, Chuck because I obviously do know something of you. You’re the kind of guy who doesn’t want to find the best candidate, only the best Democratic candidate. And you’re a racist.

Kirsten’s most formidable opponent is Kirsten.
But fear not, Chuck, she’ll be back on the national stage one day. However, not until she learns to:
– focus, rather than bow to the direction of the prevailing “winds”
– say what she means, means what she says, and sticks to it
(read: establish herself as being credible)
– figure out why / how the likes of a “nationally renowned” Andrew Yang could best her
– recognize when to call it quits and quietly slip away, vs. allowing the door to slam in her face
And there’s more.
She just wanted too much, too soon – perhaps simply the victim of some bad advice.
And for all anyone knows, maybe behind the scenes she’s been promised a VP spot by a front runner.